King-Ohger 18: The Founder's Crown

This week's episode of King-Ohger starts with Gira's return. Yes, Gira has returned to the spotlight and it's nice to have him back. This week's plot almost reminds me of that plot device from Power Rangers Operation Overdrive. I gave the show a second opinion of a show that I just hated too much based on some Bandwagon effect. I think the Corona Aurora could've been a good plot IF it wasn't for that lousy schedule by Disney. It seems that the Corona Aurora is about to redeem itself here. It's because this episode is about a magic crown endowed with powers.

 

The scenario has Gira facing off Racules and Daigorg. Racules does get surprised to learn that Gira's still alive. This is an uneasy alliance between the self-entitled idiot Racules AND the Bugnarok. Gira can't stand it any longer.

Racules reveals another ancient artifact of Shugoddom. It's called the Founder's Crown. Okay, I was thinking about the possibility that the crown may have some malice in it. In my own strange re-imagining, the Hasties are all descended by Rohan from Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog. Rohan, having been the younger son of Queen Maeve may have caused the malice to eventually revive in Racules. Not that it's actually possible in-show. Racules shows off that he's got that "The king can do as he likes!" personality. Where in the world is Tyrion Lannister to talk sense when you need him? The line almost reminds me of King Joffrey Baratheon from Game of Thrones - even when I'm no fan of the series.

Speaking of which, this form looks almost like an improvised version of the Battlizer from Operation Overdrive. Yes, the Disney era where SOME Power Rangers fans criticized the era for having too muc Battlizer focus. What was amazing was that the Battlizer from Power Rangers SPD was later non-canonically added into Mahou Sentai Magiranger vs. Tokosou Sentai Dekaranger. I found that move rather odd but okay. 

Later at Ishibana, some secrets are about to be uncovered. Gira was previously defeated in a suited battle with Racules. Yanma was given treatment earlier on. This scene does get rather serious. Racules' treachery does have a huge price huh?

Rita arrives hoping to arrest Racules. I guess that's why Racules seeks to absorb all the kingdoms. The quest is all about ABSOLUTE POWER. I'm surprised Rita didn't scream in this one. Rita's voice could've deafened the guards. Rita says she's really going to remain unwavering. Okay, I guess it's at this point. Rita tries to stay calm as possible though. I was expecting Rita to make a mess out of Racules' guards and Douga himself. I guess it was planned but it was deleted. It'd be fun to think if Rita and Douga had a swordfight. Who knows... maybe they did film it but found no space for it in the final cut! 

Meanwhile, Kaguragi continues his infiltration of Shugoddom. He's got kurokos helping him trying to find its deepest secrets. Racules confides the long tradition of the Founder's Crown. Racules does reveal he's really up to his own personal interests. I have a feeling Racules has been planning to destroy BOTH the heroes and the Bugnarok. Racules wants to "save the day" and to be seem as the hero of the World of King-Ohger. That alone continues to remind me of General Miwa from Tossho Daimos - an arrogant fool is a control freak. 

Rita finally authorizes extralegal measures. Racules is getting rather aggressive. Gira then mentions his younger days. Racules is shown to be a kind, caring older brother but it could've all been just an act for all we know. Maybe, some malevolent gene from many generations past caused Racules to become what he is. Racules explains the power of the crown. I wonder if we'll ever figure out who started the Fury of the Gods or will King Corsus be shown in flashback? If so, I think I'm going to welcome either Kento Handa or Kohei Murakami to play the character. It's because Kamen Rider Faiz also turned 20 this year alongside Bakuryu Sentai Abaranger.

Jeramie still feels guilty over that failed negotiation. I could totally feel Jeramie and I'd feel the same way he did. Rita did point that out. All Jeramie wanted was peace between the two races. It's already revealed by his mere existence that not all Bugnarok are bad. Racules also shows that not all humans are good. I did wish that Racules remained the hateful bigot who just wants to see all Bugnarok dead. 

Later, using what might be blatant product placements, Gira communicates with Kaguragi. I did remember episode 15 where it felt Suzume was a Racules fangirl. However, this episode gives what's predictable. Gira did discover that Suzume was actually crying. It seems that Suzume had willingly given herself as a potential bride for the tyrant to find something out.

Suzume manages to carry out a trick that fooled everyone. Kaguragi is forced to act like some rhinoceros beetle in front of the whole court. Douga and Boshimar are close to laughing like Dr. Evil's minions. I kinda expected Racules to laugh like Dr. Evil with those guys. Instead, Racules gets the more sinister frightening laugh familiar to Super Sentai and Kamen Rider villains. Kaguragi ends up discovering some switch where Racules hides his lance.

Racules goes forward with Black King-Ohger to wreak havoc. Racules does laugh like some kind of genocidal maniac. The laugh tends to remind me of Mikoto or Abare Killer. Both Racules and Mikoto are also evil rangers that rival the red ranger. Now, Kaguragi was riding the mecha all along and reveals the real truth. Racules wasn't so smart to be fooled by Kaguragi himself. Kaguragi's words also says, "Knives must be hidden away from children and fools." Racules, like Miwa from Daimos, shouldn't even be allowed to hold any weapon at all!

Kaguragi hands over the Founder's Crown to whom he believes is fit to be king. Yes, we're talking about Gira himself. Gira ends up donning the Battlizer. Even more, the clusterf*ck combination to sell more toys has been stabilized. 

I have a feeling that Racules may not always be evil. Gira remembers the childhood that he had. I think someone was manipulating Racules back then. However, the chances of Racules being born evil is really there. Racules doesn't like being reminded about the flashback. What really happened that caused Racules to hate Gira so much that it's pretty much a Cain and Abel? Is Gira still planning to restore whatever former goodness Racules may have left? 

Desnarak VIII and Daigorg finally make a move. I guess Daigorg did tell Desnarak VIII about Racules' attempted backstabbing. I believe that this episode has a deleted scene of Racules literally backstabbing Daigorg. Meanwhile, Racules returns to the palace only to find out that Desnarak VIII had a contingency plan. Okay, is it me, or is Racules REALLY AN IDIOT AFTER ALL? Racules wasn't too ready either. I just hope that Racules gets a better direction. If Toei ever plans to redeem Racules - they better try and figure out how NOT to make it a last-minute redemption like Mikoto. It's kinda karmic since Racules has a Chronic Backstabbing Disorder. I guess Desnarak VIII was aware of that so he decided to strike first.

Next week would have the weirdest title. How in the world are they going to title the next week's episode AFTER THE SHOW'S TITLE? I'm expecting lots of action next week. I wonder what the show plans to do with Racules. I hope Racules stays long because he's got tons of entertainment value. 

And a bit of a weird tidbit for this review...

What I missed is that Engine Sentai Go-Onger is celebrating its 15th anniversary. I did like it at first but ended up saying it's a bad show because of Gekisou Sentai Carranger and Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters. 2008 did have James MacLurcan meeting the cast of Go-Onger. I wonder if the events of this episode give a nod to this event in a not-so-subtle way. 

Was the Founder's Crown an intentional reference or not? Maybe it's just a coincidence. Maybe not.